Ritual sacrifice an integral part of tribal life

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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com/2010/01/17/stories/2010011751270200.htm)
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Ritual sacrifice an integral part of tribal life


Correspondent


KORAPUT: Tribal festivals and more importantly their way of life might not be possible to even imagine without the rituals of sacrifices, Peter Berger, Asst Professor of University of Groningen and noted anthropologist from Netherlands, said at Koraput recently. He was speaking to the students of Central University of Orissa on “Meat for gods and meat for guests and hospitality among the Gadabas of Koraput”. Mr. Berger who had been with Gadabas of Lamtaput block in Koraput district doing his research work covering their general anthropology, food and ritual for a period of two years from 2007 was well accepted by the members of the society enabling him to learn various aspects of their culture and tradition .
While there was no dispute of claiming for a bigger share when it comes to sacrifice it was not an easy task to come to a conclusion for sharing the meat meant for hospitality among the tribals, he said. As a matter of practice, the tribals offered the blood of animals by sacrificing animals like goats before their gods and goddesses before concentrating on their personal consumption, he added
While the anthropological study of sacrifice has focused on one hand on the symbolic statements which are made about human, animal and spiritual identity and relationships, on the other hand it also focuses on the manner in which sacrifice may be interpreted as reflecting and reinforcing certain aspects of social structure and social solidarity.
The deeper research by Mr. Berger on the tribals and more specifically on the Gadabas could throw more light on the subject.






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